Verbal Behavior by B.F. SkinnerThis controversial classic deserves a second look. It covers language as a skill. Not only did B.F. Skinner teach pigeons how to play ping-pong - he also showed us how language and behavior are learned, and how behavior, especially "Verbal Behavior," can be changed through conditioning. Skinners analysis of verbal behavior differs from other accounts both in psychology and linguistics by being entirely naturalistic and free of the far-reaching assumptions about 'meanings' and 'rules' inherent in traditional approaches.